The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states for consideration and approval.
The transmission, which took place onSeptember 16, 2026, was carried outby the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., pursuant tothe directive of the leadership of the National Assembly and in accordancewith Section 9 of the Constitution.
Section 9 provides that a bill seeking to alter the Constitution cannot be passed by either chamber of the NationalAssembly unless it is approved byresolutions of not less than two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states.
In transmitting the Bill, the Clerk requested the respective State Houses of Assembly to consider the proposed constitutionalalterations in line with their legislativeprocedures and communicate their resolutions to the National Assemblyupon completion of their consideration.
Although the Constitution does not prescribe a specific timeframe for the StateHouses of Assembly to communicate theirresolutions, the National Assembly has indicated that, in the interest of an orderly, coordinated and timely conclusion of the process, the state legislatures are expected to consider the Bill and communicate their decisions within 30 days of receipt.
The National Assembly clarified, however, that the 30-day period is an administrative timeframe and does not constitute a constitutional deadline.
The National Assembly also reaffirmed itsrespect for the constitutional responsibilitiesand independence of the State Houses of Assembly, stressing that the transmissionis intended to facilitate the orderlydischarge of their role in the constitutional alteration process.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the process in strict compliance with the Constitution, due process, institutional cooperation and respect for the legislative responsibilities of all tiers of government.
According to the Clerk, upon receipt of the resolutions from the State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly will take the necessary further steps in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
